This star-studded Hubble Space Telescope image reveals the heart of the globular cluster NGC 6638 in the constellation Sagittarius. To catch the data in this image, Hubble utilized two of its advanced huge instruments: Wide Field Camera 3 and the Advanced Camera for Surveys. Credit: ESA/Hubble & & NASA, R. Cohen
This amazing star-studded image shows the heart of the globular cluster NGC 6638 in the constellation Sagittarius. Recorded by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, this star-strewn observation highlights the density of stars at the heart of globular clusters, which are stable, securely bound clusters of tens of thousands to millions of stars. Hubble utilized two of its advanced huge instruments to record the information in this image: Wide Field Camera 3 and the Advanced Camera for Surveys.
Since it is practically impossible to clearly identify the stars in globular clusters with ground-based telescopes, Hubble changed the study of globular clusters. Earths environment causes blurring that makes it difficult to tell one star from another, however from Hubbles area in low Earth orbit, the environment is no longer an issue. As an outcome, Hubble has been used to investigate what kind of stars globular clusters are made up of, how they develop, and the role of gravity in these dense systems.
Now, with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, we will enhance our understanding of globular clusters by peering into those globular clusters that are currently obscured by dust. Webb will mostly observe at infrared wavelengths, which are less affected by the gas and dust surrounding newborn stars. This will allow astronomers to check star clusters that are freshly formed, offering insights into excellent populations prior to they have had an opportunity to evolve.
By ESA/Hubble
July 31, 2022